Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund round 5 discovery C6
Funds collaborative research projects to drive innovation and decarbonization in UK electricity and gas networks through the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery Phase.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: June 24, 2026 (full application deadline, 11:00am UK time)
Funding Amounts: Up to £30 million total for the round; max £200,000 per Discovery Phase project (exclusive of VAT), 5-month project duration.
Summary: Supports collaborative projects addressing innovation challenges in the electricity and gas sectors via the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund.
Key Information: Lead applicants must be Ofgem-licensed network operators; collaboration is mandatory.
Description
This funding opportunity supports collaborative Discovery Phase projects that address the round 5 challenges of the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The goal is to drive innovation in the UK’s electricity and gas networks, fostering projects that can enhance system efficiency, sustainability, and resilience while delivering net zero at the lowest cost to consumers. Projects must be led by Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution networks, transmission operators, or the Electricity System Operator, and must involve at least one additional partner organization. Successful Discovery Phase projects may be invited to apply for subsequent Alpha, Beta, and Deployment phases.
